Abdominoplasty

What is Abdominoplasty?

Many factors can affect the contour of your abdomen. Many factors can result in excess fat deposits that produce undesirable bulges or fullness and loose skin on the abdomen. A tummy tuck in Grand Rapids, Michigan can improve your contour and the appearance of your midsection. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, procedure contours or reshapes the underlying muscle framework and reduces excess fat and loose skin. We also offer mini-abdominoplasty for people who have fat located primarily in the lower part of their abdomen.

Dr. Dennis Hammond and Dr. Andrea Van Pelt understand that every case is different and strive to give you exceptional personal care.  Our knowledgeable team is with you, explaining and helping, every step of the way.  We have extensive experience with this procedure, have board-certified anesthesiologists on staff, and perform surgeries in our fully accredited facility. To learn more about abdominoplasty, request a consultation online or call us at (616) 464-4420.

Abdominoplasty Before & After Photos

Abdominoplasty Benefits

After significant weight loss, fatty tissue is decreased beneath the skin of your abdomen. This skin may become looser and sometimes hang downward. Localized deposits of fat can occur in area of the abdomen, producing undesirable contours even in individuals who are not overweight. Fat deposits can be corrected with liposuction alone, but abdominoplasty is necessary to achieve the best contour if stretched musculature or loose skin are present. A tummy tuck can improve the following:

• Reshapes the underlying framework of the abdomen to improve shape and contour
• Reduces excess fat deposits
• Tightens lax skin to improve overall contour, appearance, and shape of the abdomen

Michigan patients wanting a tummy tuck may see these improvements and will achieve optimal results if they are closer to their ideal weight before surgery.

Meet Your Doctors

Dr. Hammond, Dr. Van Pelt, and Dr. Kath are skilled plastic surgeons who perform several variations of the traditional tummy tuck and are experts at helping you determine which option will give you the result you’re looking for.

Request a Consultation View Before & After Photos

Abdominoplasty Procedure

Dr. Kath, Dr. Van Pelt, or Dr. Hammond will make tummy tuck incisions low on your abdomen so they can be easily concealed. Your doctor will discuss your preferences and specific ways in which he or she can minimize the length of your incisions. Next, the abdominal muscles may be tightened for optimal contouring. After that, excess fat is removed using liposuction or direct removal techniques. This reduces any excess thickness in the soft tissue to get the best re-draping over your new abdominal framework.

Then, the skin is pulled downward to tighten the abdomen. Any excess tissue is removed below. Depending on the degree of looseness of the skin and the amount which needs to be removed, it may be necessary to reposition the umbilicus (belly button). In some cases, body contouring specialists such as Dr. Kath or Dr. Van Pelt may be able to re-contour your abdomen without repositioning the umbilicus, resulting in minimal scarring.

Recovery & Results

Following a tummy tuck, most patients report that their abdomen feels tighter as a result of its new shape. The feeling of tightness will decrease within the next few weeks following the procedure, as swelling decreases and the tissues become accustomed to their new shape. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions to minimize the risk of complications after a tummy tuck. That includes being “up and about” the day after the procedure. Most patients need at least 2 weeks of recovery before returning to work or resuming their normal daily activities. Each patient is unique, of course, and you should discuss with you surgeon when you can resume exercising and other more strenuous activities.